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Francisco Aguabella and Chuchito Valdés to honor Carlos “Patato” Valdes |
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Written by Ronaldo Oregano
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Friday, 11 January 2008 |
 Carlos “Patato” Valdes © Martin Cohen
The late Carlos “Patato” Valdes will be honored by legendary conguero, Francisco Aguabella, master Cuban pianist Chuchito Valdés and two of L.A.’s top Cuban Artists, Raul Pineda and Jorge “Sawa” Perez as they present a tribute to the legendary percussionist on Saturday, January at The Pasadena Jazz Institute and on Sunday January 20th at The Sea Bird Jazz Lounge in Long Beach. This will be the first time Francisco Aguabella and Chuchito Valdes perform together, something they have been anxious to do for quite a while. It will be The Ultimate Afro Cuban Jazz Quartet, featuring Chuchito Valdes on piano, Francisco Aguabella on congas, Raul Pineda on drums and Sawa Perez on bass, in honor of the great legendary percussionist, Carlos “Patato” Valdes, who recently passed away in NYC on Tuesday December 4th, 2007. He was 81 years old.
"Patato" and not potato as often written is Cuban slang for "shorty"- a stump. Born in La Habana, Cuba on November 4th 1926 Carlos “Patato” Valdes is considered one of the most melodic percussionists ever and one of the most mythical characters as well. He fashioned himself as quite a chef and was famous for feeding dozens of fellow musicians and close friends in his Brooklyn home after gigs from the wee wee hours of the morning into the next afternoon. He is credited with inventing the tuneable congas.
In Cuba, Patato played with some of the finest bands starting out as a teenager in the 1940s, he created the "penguin dance" while with the Conjunto Casino in the 50s when he would appear on a daily Cuban television show, he would take advantage of his slight built and jump on top of the congas and do a penguin dance to the delight of the live audience and viewers. In 1955 his friends NEA Jazz Master Cándido Camero and Mongo Santamaría sponsored his immigration to NYC. Mongo who was with the Tito Puente band at the time got some of his band mates and others to go to the SMC/Coda studios and record 278 rpms as a demo to show off the skills of Patato, that led to his work with Kenny Dorham on the landmark Afro-Cuban date for Blue Note, from there he went on to be with Herbie Mann for many years and the rest is easily encountered in any quality jazz information publication.
 LA/Francisco Aguabella Courtesy of: photo Courtesy of Ubiquity Records
Leading This Ultimate Afro Cuban Quartet and on Congas is Mr. Francisco Aguabella. Francisco left Cuba and came to the United States and performed with Peggy Lee. He has peformed all over Europe, Australia, South America and all over the United States (including the White House). Francisco has enjoyed an extensive music performing and recording career and has delighted many audiences with his masterful and powerful rhythms. He has performed with many great artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Frank Sinatra, Eddie Palmieri, Cachao, Lalo Schifrin, Cal Tjader, Peggy Lee, Nancy Wilson, Carlos Santana, Poncho Sanchez, Paul Simon, Bebo Valdes, and many more. Francisco is a recipient of awards such as the National Heritage Fellowship of the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Los Angeles County Arts Commission and received a fellowship for the Durfee Foundation. He is featured in the documentary, "Sworn to the Drum" by Les Blank, and is currently featured in a new documentary, "Aguabella," currently in production. He also appeared on the Orlando Jones Show on FX. Francisco is widely recognized as a master conguero, a caring and knowledgeable instructor, and one of the most inspiring artists of all time.
 Chuchito Valdés © Andea Canter
Appearing as a sideman is equally praise-worthy Afro Cuban drummer, Raul Pineda. Born in Havana Cuba, Pineda started showing an interest in music at the young age of 5 years, developing his skills in different areas of percussion. Later on, he was selected to integrate "Sintesis", a Cuban group that is highly recognized in Cuba as well as abroad. As a part of this group, Raul made four albums and three of them won the distinguished EGREEM award. In 1996, Chucho Valdés, The prestigious Cuban pianist, asked him to be a part of his quartet. With Chucho, Raul recorded 3 albums. Including The 2001 Grammy Award winning album for, Best Latin Jazz Album, "Live At The Village Vanguard". Raul has shared the stage with many well known artists; Michel Camilo, Giovanni Hidalgo, Claudio Roditi, Jimmy Haslip, Bobby McFerrin, Chico Freeman, Luis Conte, Juan Pablo Torres, Bamboleo, Tata Guines, Anga, Jose Luis Quintana "Changuito", David Sanchez, and many more! He now lives in Los Angeles California, where he plays independently with various artists.
Also joining the quartet will be World Class bassist Jorge “Sawa” Perez. Born in Havana, Cuba, Sawa is a graduate of the prestigious “Conservatory del Amadeo Roldan''. He has played bass with many notable groups worldwide; Buena Vista Social Club, Arturo Sandoval, Maraca, Bobby Carcasses and many more. Mr. Perez has also recorded with Ry Cooder, Ernan Lopez Nussa, Pablo Milanes and Silvio Rodriguez to name a few. Sawa is probably one of the best Cuban Bassist residing on the West Coast today. He now lives in Los Angeles where he performs with many local and international groups; Yari More and now Chuchito Valdés...
Don’t miss the opportunity to see this amazing show live on SATURDAY JANUARY 19th in Pasadena at The Pasadena Jazz Institute and on SUNDAY JANUARY 20TH at The Seabird Jazz Lounge in Long Beach with these amazing artists, in honor of the great legendary percussionist, Carlos “Patato” Valdéz.
SATURDAY JANUARY 19, 2008 at The PASADENA JAZZ INSTITUTE:
(2) Shows and (1) Night Only! 1st show: 8:30PM ($25.00), 2nd show: 10:30PM ($20.00).
For more information, or for Advanced Ticket Purchase, visit www.pasjazz.org, or contact, Mr. Paul Lines at (626) 398-3344. All Ages. Pasadena Jazz Institute is located at 260 E. Colorado Blvd., Suite 206, Pasadena, CA 91101.
SUNDAY JANUARY 20, 2008 at The SEABIRD JAZZ LOUNGE:
(2) Shows and (1) Night Only! 1st show is at: 8:30PM ($25.00/door) ($22.00/adv.), 2nd show is at: 10:30PM ($20.00). For more information, or for Advanced Ticket Purchase, visit www.lucumiyque.com, or contact, Mr. Rogers “Bird” Jackson at (562) 606-0250. 21 & Up!
Sea Bird Jazz Lounge is located at 730 E. Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802. |
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 Saturday, 05 July 2008
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